A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near Honduras, prompting tsunami warnings across neighboring islands. Initially reported as magnitude 8, this seismic event, felt southwest of the Cayman Islands, led to emergency advisories for several countries including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as residents were encouraged to seek higher ground.
On Saturday, the Caribbean Sea experienced a significant earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude, occurring north of Honduras. This seismic event led to tsunami warnings across various neighboring regions. Initially reported at magnitude 8, the quake is noted as the largest worldwide since 2023 and was felt approximately 202 km southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that potential tsunami alerts have been issued by several countries and territories including Colombia, Haiti, Belize, and Puerto Rico. Residents in coastal areas of the Cayman Islands have been urged to evacuate inland by the local hazard management agency to ensure their safety.
Tsunami forecasts indicated waves could hit Puerto Rico at 8:48 p.m. EST, leading those in low-lying areas to exercise caution and stay away from beaches. The NOAA advised that early signs of a tsunami may include water receding rapidly from the shoreline, and consequently, the public has been cautioned against entering the water.
The possibility of tsunami waves has yet to be confirmed, though the Tsunami Warning Center is actively monitoring the situation. Earlier predictions suggested wave heights would be below 1 foot, with potential arrivals in Puerto Rico beginning within an hour of the earthquake. Additional information is available through the NOAA’s tsunami advisory resources online.
Seismic activity in the Caribbean, particularly significant earthquakes, poses a threat to regional communities, prompting emergency preparedness measures. The area has a history of major seismic events and resultant tsunamis, indicating a persistent risk for inhabitants of low-lying coastal regions. The United States and its territories, such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, often coordinate responses during such natural disasters to ensure public safety.
In summary, a powerful earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck the Caribbean Sea prompting tsunami warnings across several regions. Authorities have advised residents in coastal areas to evacuate while monitoring of the potential tsunami threat continues. The earthquake’s impact underscores the necessity for readiness and public awareness in the face of seismic threats in the Caribbean.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
